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Vampire Weekend Case Dismissed

August 12, 2011

By David Walker

Model Ann Kirsten Kennis sued after photographer Tod Brody licensed a Polaroid
image of Kennis for use on the cover of the band's Contra album.

Model Ann Kirsten Kennis asked a federal court in Los Angeles to dismiss the case, after she reached a settlement with Vampire Weekend and its label, XL Records. Details of the settlement were not disclosed. The case was dismissed yesterday by court order.

Kennis sued in 2010 after photographer Tod Brody licensed a Polaroid image of Kennis for use on the cover of the band's Contra album. The band also used the image to promote its Contra tour.

Brody allegedly provided the image--which was shot in the 1980s-- to Vampire Weekend with a forged model release. According to court papers, he was paid $5,000 for the image license. It is unclear who shot the image, or how Brody obtained it.

After Kennis filed her lawsuit, Vampire Weekend and its record label filed a counter-claim against Brody, alleging that he was responsible for any liability in the case. The court has apparently not dismissed that counter-claim against the photographer.

Brody's attorneys withdrew from the case in June, citing his lack of cooperation and failure to pay his bills. He is now defending himself in the case.